LOCH SHELDRAKE — The Liberty Rotary Club, Town of Wallkill Boys and Girls Club and Monticello Kiwanis, in conjunction with NAMI Sullivan County, NY, is co-sponsoring a performance of the funny, moving play – “Every Brilliant Thing” by Duncan MacMillan with Jonny Donahoe – a powerful piece of theatre about Depression and the lengths we will go to for those we love. After being told that her Mum can’t think of anything worth living for, a little girl begins a list of everything brilliant about the world; everything worth living for. At seven years old, her list includes ice cream, being allowed to stay up past your bedtime and things with stripes. 

As the little girl grows up, the entries mature along with her and as the list grows, she learns the deep significance it has on her own life. “Every Brilliant Thing” has been performed around the world and this local production is being done as a fundraiser/awareness raiser for NAMI Sullivan County – the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The performance will be held at SUNY Sullivan, 112 College Road in Loch Sheldrake, in the Upper Hermann Conference Room on Wednesday, March 29  at 7 p.m.

The show shines hilarious and compassionate light in some of the darker corners of the human condition. It’s a reminder that hope is never truly lost and a testament to the healing power of storytelling. While it is a one character show, audience members are given snippets of the list to help tell the story. There are no bright lights with the audience sitting in the dark – it’s an immersive experience with lights up all the way through. The audience shares in something meaningful as a room full of people becoming a community. “Every Brilliant Thing” is directed and performed by Lori Schneider who is both the Executive Director of NAMI Sullivan County, NY and has been involved in local Community Theatre for over three decades as an award-winning director and actress. She combines her passions for mental health advocacy and for theatre in bringing this important work to local audiences. The Times Herald Record says, “everything about this production…is indeed brilliant…funny and poignant, heartbreaking, joy-filled and genuinely wonderful.” The River Reporter calls it a “tour-de-force performance, thought provoking and powerful.” The Sullivan County Democrat says, “Schneider’s portrayal explodes from the heart.” Schneider received a Best Actor award for her performance of this piece at the Theatre Association of New York State (TANYS) Festival in 2018. She toured in and around the State with the production throughout 2018 and 2019 and is delighted to once again be doing post-COVID performances.

Seating for “Every Brilliant Thing” is limited and reservations are strongly suggested.  In an effort to keep the performance accessible to all, Admission is just $5 with proceeds from the door (as well as other donations) going to NAMI Sullivan County – the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The production is not recommended for children under the age of 16. Come out for an evening of theatre you won’t soon forget. For information and/or reservations, phone Terry Grafmuller at (845) 866-6275. “Every Brilliant Thing” is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.